KATHMANDU: CPN-UML leader and former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal on Tuesday said that the tourism development constituted the backbone of the nation's economy.

Speaking at a programme organised by Youth Association Journalist Nepal to welcome the newly elected Trekking Agencies Association Nepal (TAAN) committee's office bearers and members here in the Capital today, leader Nepal said that the progress could be achieved if tourism, hydroelectricity project and agriculture sectors were developed.

He further said that the economic revolution was the need of the hour and natural resources could be utilised for the same,adding, that new plan should be made to invite over one million tourists to Nepal as over 500,000 to 700,000 tourists annually visit Nepal.

On the occasion, TAAN chair Chandra Prasad Rijal said that the newly elected committee would be committed to the development of the nation through tourism.

Similarly, other elected office bearers and members opined for tourism development for the economic prosperity of the nation.